Mold removal glossary
Containment
Plastic sheeting and sealed openings that keep mold spores from spreading out of the work area during remediation.
Encapsulation
Sealing a crawlspace with a heavy liner and controlling humidity, used in some homes with persistent moisture.
HEPA
High-efficiency particulate air filtration, used in vacuums and air scrubbers during remediation.
IICRC, NORMI, NAMRI
National organizations that certify mold remediators and inspectors. CDPH lists them for information, without endorsement.
Mold remediation
The process of removing mold growth and fixing the moisture that caused it, usually with containment and protective equipment.
N-95 respirator
A fitted particulate respirator that CDPH and the EPA recommend for mold work. A dust mask isn't a substitute.
Negative air pressure
Using fans with filtration to pull air out of a containment area so spores don't escape into the rest of the home.
Non-porous material
A material that doesn't absorb water, such as glass, metal, plastic or ceramic. These can usually be cleaned.
Porous material
A material that absorbs water, such as drywall, insulation, carpet and upholstery. CDPH says porous materials usually can't be effectively cleaned of mold.
Relative humidity
The amount of moisture in the air compared with what it can hold. The EPA recommends keeping it below 60 percent indoors.
Substandard housing
Under California's housing law, conditions such as visible mold growth, as determined by health or code officers, that the owner must fix.
Vapor barrier
A plastic ground cover in a crawlspace that reduces moisture rising from the soil.